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my favorite oliver + s pattern: ana sofia from s is for sewing

Today we are delighted to welcome back Ana Sofia who blogs at S is for Sewing. She is a mother of three living in Portugal. On a previous visit she shared a tutorial about adding honeycomb smocking to the Ice Cream Blouse. Ana Sofia is stopping by today to tell us all about her favorite Oliver + S pattern. Here she is.

I love reading the favorite pattern series here on the blog, but when asked about my favorite Oliver + S pattern I didn’t have a prompt answer.

The reason? I’m not sure if I have “one” favorite Oliver + S pattern at all. I can easily pick a handful (or more) of favorite Oliver + S and I’m sure more will be added with the new releases (and I know, I’m not alone, right?). Fortunately for me, some patterns were already “favorited” before, so the selection was a bit narrowed down.

Usually I don’t sew many skirts for my girl. When she was a baby, skirts and dresses were not my favorite pieces of clothing as these didn’t actually fit well with crawling or early walking attempts. But after the first year, I was happy to fill her closet with skirts and dresses. However, it didn’t take me long to realize that skirts were often backwards after a while. So, when the Hopscotch Skirt was released (my girl was 2 1/2 years by then) I immediately loved it. The main reason, besides featuring the most adorable Chinese takeout pockets, was the distinctive front button placket. That way my girl would always tell the front side from the back side. Thanks to the Hopscotch Skirt pattern, skirts were allowed back into my girl’s closet.

Over the years, there’s always been at least one Hopscotch Skirt ready to be worn, and while I failed to document all the versions I’ve made so far, I still have quite a few that I’m happy to show you. (You do need to excuse some bad pictures. Apparently my sewing skills are not the only thing that has improved over the years.)

My first versions were made of corduroy (thinking of the colder months ahead). You could see them here, paired with the coordinating Hopscotch Top (City Weekend knit) and a Liberty Music Class Blouse.

While I actually didn’t find it difficult to sew this skirt in corduroy (the pockets were a bit challenging, but totally doable) sewing it in cotton with the arrival of the summer months was really a pleasure.

And picking buttons for the new skirt soon become my girl’s favorite part and a great way to involve her in the sewing process.

A little confession: I don’t actually sew the buttonholes in my Hopscotch Skirts as one can easily put this skirt on without them (it has an elasticized back-waist).

Even when in a rush, I was able to sew a Hopscotch Skirt in a few hours. Just skip the pockets and you’ll have a basic skirt that will match most everything. This chambray version was a last-minute sew and it become one of her favorites (and one that couldn’t be handed down to another girl, because it was literally worn to pieces).

Last winter this navy corduroy skirt was worn with everything. I wish I had a better picture of this skirt. I love the contrasting wooden buttons.

Currently, there are two Hopscotch Skirts in heavy rotation in my girl’s closet.

A peach colored twill version with wooden buttons, which I love because it pairs so nicely with the navy and earth tones already in her wardrobe. The crispy twill actually lets you see the tiny gathers at the front waist – just enough to make the skirt bounce and fit nicely.

And my favorite so far: a revised chambray version of the original Hopscotch Skirt using Liesl’s instructions for adding a front sash to the Hopscotch Skirt (although mine is actually 2 inches shorter, because I ran out of yardage).

I might go back and add the Chinese takeout carton-inspired pockets (I had them cut before deciding to go with the sash). Or I could just leave it as it is. A perfect Hopscotch Skirt ready to be worn with … well, everything, actually.

So, there you have it. While the Hopscotch Skirt is not my most blogged/posted item, I can ensure you that’s definitely one of the most sewn (by me) and worn (by my girl) in her wardrobe.

After all, every girl needs a basic skirt pattern in her closet and no one does it better than Oliver + S.

10 Comments

Ana Sofia, S just outgrew nearly all of her clothes, and after reading this I’m going to go make her a Hopscotch Skirt! Thanks for the reminder. I’m often so focused on the newer patterns I forget the ones that have been out for a while. And separates are so versatile. xo

I have some peach cord that I’ve thought would be great for this skirt but haven’t been sure about how thick fabric would work for the pockets. But with this post I think I’ll give it a try this fall. Just as soon as I finish Halloween sewing. (Ugh)

Thank you so much for having me here 🙂
Not being a huge fan of skirts (at least on my “never-stay-still” girl), this pattern is perfect – I always add a couple of new versions to my girl’s wardrobe every season!
And yes, corduroy looks great and it’s perfect doable. I’m tempted to try a wool flannel this winter 🙂

I really like this skirt – always have- but since I don’t do knits, I’ve hesitated to purchase it. However, your sewing is charming, and I’m a big fan of corduroy for children. The parents love it, too because the colours are so intense, and the fabric is so hardy. I do like the bow at the front – that really makes the skirt look very special. Perhaps when O+S has a sale, I’ll reconsider it. My little clients ‘adore’ skirts, and it’s so nice to have more options. And those pockets are so ‘different’. And yes, I do know exactly what you mean about skirts on toddlers – they are really a more viable proposition from 3yrs onwards, IMO.